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Start with an illegal shipment of super powered viagra called vigoroso. Mix in a couple New York gangsters, a Mexican smuggler, a small town Arizonan sheriff, and the sheriff's former girlfriend who just happens to be married to one of the gangsters. Add in some uniquely American gun humor. And you have a situation ripe for serious comedy. "The Shipment" delivers the goods and is a very amusing film. The basic situation is the the shipment of viagra gets waylaid. Not just once but many times. Sometimes the person in possession of the viagra doesn't even know he has it. Viagra, viagra, who has the viagra is the source of much of the fun. The gun humor blends in well and reinforces the basic theme. But the characterizations really sell this film. All are classical stock characters-almost cliches or caricatures. The sheriff (Matthew Modine) is a classic Gray Copper type. I kept expecting him to tip his hat to the ladies and say "yup" and "shucks mam." Robert Loggia again plays the classical aging retired godfather-a role he plays so well. Nicholas Tuturro plays the low class but high-ranking gangster in charge. Elizabeth Berkley is fine as the small town girl who left town for the big city only to learn that life was better in the small town. Complicating things is that she has feelings for the sheriff but is married to the gangster. What makes these characters interesting is that they are presented in a serious manner as if they were real people. No one mugs for the camera in this film. Given the basic permise for this film and its stock characters it would be easy to present it as a farce filled with low sexual humor. There are a few gross out scenes but they are thankfully few. Instead the story is presented in a serious manner. It is not a "Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World imitation but fresh and enjoyable. Not a classic but worth the watch.

"Curse of the Jade Scorpion" is a very enjoyable film. Particularly to those of us who prefer the classic "Inner Sanctum" genre over the bang bang shoot it up films of today. The lighthearted approach to this film removes it from the darker suspense typical of the older films. Instead the suspense is in the fresh interpretation of classic characters and situations. Often with unique little deviations and twists. Its familiar but also fresh. As such it is a worthy effort. The weakest link in this effort is casting Woody Allen as the classic gumshoe. It simply does not come across right. Someone like George Segal would perhaps have been a better selection. The strongest performances comes from the three main women. Helen Hunt is excellent as the rather obnoxious proto-feminist. This is a role that Hunt plays very well. Charlize Theron is also excellent as the bored rich socialite. Elizabeth Berkley also delivers a fine performance as the gentle romantic but innocent sexy secretary. All in all a well spent trip to the theater.

"Frog" centers around a young boy Arlo (Scott Grimes) who loves to collect reptiles and amphibians. His basement is full of them. His parents are concerned about his development but do nothing but talk. Despite his geekiness a girl named Suzy (Amy Lynne) likes him though Suzy's friend Kathy (Elizabeth Berkley) does not. Typical budding teen relationship behavior so far. But one day Arlo acquires a new frog for his collection. The frog turns out to be an enchanted prince turned into a frog. The remainder of the film centers around Arlo's attempts to find a beautiful women who is willing to kiss the frog and turn him back into a prince. For some reason women have a distinct adversion to kissing frogs so the quest is not without difficulty. Particularly when parents and friends do not understand whats going on. Over all the acting is fine with each actress and actor convincing in their role. As a coming of age film, "Frog" is also fine. The viewer watches Arlo learn that there is more to life than reptiles and amphibians, Suzy learn that Arlo is a nice boy, and Kathy learn that you do not need to like all your friend's friends to be a friend. The film has some genuine humorous moments as well. Particularly the frog in the popcorn and Arlo and Suzy in the pond.